Dubai has a lot of history hidden beneath its gleaming skyscrapers, shopping centers, and five-star hotels, despite its clean and contemporary exterior. Explore the inland regions of the United Arab Emirates to discover vast expanses of red sand dunes that provide thrilling activities, unique animals found in the desert, and an insight into the customs of the Bedouin people. A desert safari is among the best things to do in Dubai, in addition to touring the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure, and shopping at the opulent Dubai Mall! Travelers are drawn to the enigmatic Dubai safari desert, where they may explore the dunes and discover the adventures that lie beneath the sand. With its captivating landscape and large expanses of loose gravel that sparkle in the reflection of day and night lights, this area of Dubai has earned the fitting nickname ‘the Pearl of the Gulf.’
A safari in the Dubai deserts is a classic experience that transports you to a different part of the city, one devoid of fancy skyscrapers and immaculate beaches and instead consisting of a vast expanse of golden land. Whichever kind of safari you want to do, they are all meant to take you deep into the Arabian sandy desert, where you will undoubtedly be overcome by the pristine beauty. A camel ride and dune bashing are two things you may add to your desert safari excursions in Dubai to make the safari an unforgettable experience. After a satisfying BBQ meal, you may enjoy other activities here, such stargazing, sandboarding, sand-skiing, hot air balloon rides across the desert, and seeing cultural performances. With the assistance of professionals, you may even attempt a quad bike ride on the sand dunes on a desert safari Dubai UAE.
Renowned for being among the top destinations worldwide for skydiving, scuba diving, and even skiing, Dubai has earned a reputation as the country of adventure. The real Emirati adventure, nevertheless, is provided by the Dubai desert safari. Taking you on an exhilarating experience that will leave you speechless, the safari blends a range of extreme activities. Discover all the important information about Desert Safari Dubai UAE before making your plan to visit Dubai desert safari for a memorable trip.
Let’s check out the 11 best places for desert safari in Dubai:
1. Al Lahbab Desert
Al Lahbab Desert is a great place to go sandboarding or dune bashing and have delicious dinner with a BBQ. This spot is about 50 kilometers outside of Dubai City. With vistas unlike anything else in the United Arab Emirates, the stunning red desert will deliver an experience you won’t soon forget! Participation in their safari tours is also an option. During these drives through rural communities, they provide information about local cultural activities at each stop. Travelers seeking excitement and chances to learn about the local way of life are increasingly choosing these kinds of activities.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Ideal For: Sandboarding, Dune Bashing, Bedouin style camps
Travel Time (from Dubai): 45 Minutes
2. Jebel Maleihah
This is a fantastic location to go if you’re looking for old marine fossils. Because of the numerous marine fossils that may be discovered here in large quantities, it is often referred to as the “Fossil Rock.” Because the UAE was formerly a part of the Tethys Ocean Floor, the rocks along the route between Sharjah and Kalba have been preserved by submersion throughout earlier geologic time periods. There’s also another interesting feature nearby called ‘the camel rock’. It seems precisely how we picture camels sitting down with their hump protruding into our surroundings; nevertheless, these imprints date back more than 500 million years, to the time of the prehistoric dinosaurs’ glory on Earth. It is one of the best locations for travelers and photographers to capture images of these magnificent vistas while having a safari desert in Dubai or learning about their history from the residents residing nearby.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Ideal For: Off-roading, Photography, Historical Relevance
Travel Time (from Dubai): Around 1 hour
3. Al Faya Desert
If you want to view the untouched beauty and grace that only the natural world can provide, you have to visit the Al Faya Desert. The larger dunes of the Al Faya Desert have earned it the nickname ‘the Big Fall.’ Situated 50 minutes from Dubai, this isolated location provides a perfect location for camping under the stars! Visit this place after twilight for the finest views of the amazing scenery while riding your camel or SUV through massive sandstorm after massive one! The large sand dunes in this area offer plenty of opportunities for four-wheeling while having an amazing desert safari experience, for people who like more excitement than just relaxing or taking photographs all day.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Ideal For: Sandboarding, Dune buggy racing
Travel Time (from Dubai): 45 minutes
4. Liwa Desert
The huge Liwa Desert, also referred to as ‘The Empty Quarter,’ is situated close to the Rub Al Khali and is distinguished by its tall dunes and harsh weather patterns. There is lots to discover and activities around, and they are the tallest sand dunes in the United Arab Emirates. In addition to hosting cultural festivals like the week-long Liwa festival, the region is well-known for its rich historical background. In this vast area where culture flourishes, visitors may participate in strenuous races or simply unwind in one hundred fifty distinct desert towns.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Ideal For: Dune Bashing, Learning about Bedouin Culture & History
Travel Time (from Dubai): 3.5 Hours
5. Bidayer
The term Bidayer probably comes to mind when you think of a desert safari in Dubai. For a variety of activities, it is a site you just must visit between November and February. These consist of quad biking, camping, and dune buggying. It is a well-liked tourist destination because of its terracotta red hue and silky dunes. The dunes in Bidayer are the smoothest in contrast to those in other parts of the Middle East. The Hatta Oman Road runs through the desert and due to its desert safari location, it is conveniently accessible. You won’t have to worry about handling a dune after visiting this location because it boasts the smoothest dunes. You’ll be able to manage them with ease whether or not you’re a professional.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Ideal For: Quad Biking, Dune Bashing, Camping
Travel Time (from Dubai): 35-40 minutes
6. Sweihan
Sweihan is the ideal spot for a vehicle-based exploration of a region if you’ve been searching for the greatest desert safari destination in Dubai between November and February. The training ground’s most distinguishing characteristic is its proximity to three well-known emirates: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. Sweihan offers a difficult driving surface. It is reserved for people who have mastered the skill of driving. If you are comfortable driving on the uneven terrain of deserts, you might want to consider exploring this desert in a car. Perhaps you’ve previously seen individuals strolling with camels. The Sweihan Desert offers a real opportunity to observe it. It’s ideal for off-roading and dune bashing as well.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Ideal For: Off-roading, Dune Bashing
Travel Time (from Dubai): Around 1 hour
7. Al Qudra Desert
Locals really like this desert, which around 40 minutes away from the city. It is well-known for its stunning sand dunes and breathtaking vistas and is a part of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. It is situated in the Saih Al Salam region. Additionally, it’s among the greatest spots in the Emirate to view animals. Oryx, gazelles, and desert foxes may be seen in the reserve. It’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 130 kinds of birds, making it a perfect location for photography or simply soaking in the scenery. Nestled between dunes, the artificial Al Qudra lake is situated amidst the desert. In the center of the dunes sits a tranquil oasis.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Ideal For: Camping, Quad biking, Wildlife Photography
Travel Time (from Dubai): 40 Minutes
8. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the country’s first national park, occupies over 5% of the emirate of Dubai and serves to preserve the desert wildernesses of the Emirates. The desert’s fragile flora and animals are safeguarded by its well-known conservation initiatives. In addition to drawing tourists with its array of activities, it works to preserve and protect the desert environment. Sandboarding and dune driving are among the Desert Safari activities offered by Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, which is also well-known for its camel rides, falconry, horseback riding, and archery.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Ideal For: Camel Treks, Falconry, Horse Riding, Archery
Travel Time (from Dubai): Around 50 Minutes
9. Al Awir Desert
You will have an incredible time on the morning desert safari in Dubai’s Al Awir Desert. There will be peaceful times as you explore the large dunes and take in all the wonder and excitement of being in the desert. Aside from engaging in a variety of sports like sandboarding and quad riding, you will enjoy several adventures including a camel ride and dune buggy trips. Spend a desert safari exploring the enormous dunes in a 4 x 4 vehicle, away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai. Savoring freshly made tea; this traditional safari experience takes you over the little dunes in the desert. Before leaving for Dubai again in the morning, you are also more than welcome to explore the campground, snap some photos, and have some fun.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Ideal For: Quad biking or Sandboarding
Travel Time (from Dubai): Around 35 Minutes
10. Rub Al Khali
With a land area of almost 650,000 square kilometers, Rub Al Khali is one of the world’s biggest deserts. It encompasses over one-third of the Arabian Peninsula, including portions of Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. With its stunning red sand, it’s one of the world’s most ferocious and intimidating deserts. The largest desert, Rub al Khali, features gently sloping dunes that rise from the earth, with the greatest dunes reaching a height of 250 meters.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Ideal For: Camel Treks, Jeep Safari, Sand Boarding
Travel Time (from Dubai): Around 35 Minutes
11. Fossil Rock and Camel Rock
Take on a breathtaking desert trip where you may try your hand at two of Dubai’s most daring pastimes, culminating in a camel ride. Enjoy front-door pickup from your hotel and exclusive access to inaccessible areas in a robust, 4WD Land Cruiser. After that, go dune bashing around the fossil and camel rocks on the sand at full speed, and then go sandboarding.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Ideal For: 4X4 Vehicle Safari, Sand Boarding, Camel ride
Travel Time (from Dubai): Around 1 hour
The weather is one of the most important factors to take into account while organizing a desert safari excursion in Dubai. Dubai, as we all know, has a hot temperature. Consequently. The greatest time to enjoy this experience is from November to February because of the nice weather throughout these months. The best time of day to arrange a safari excursion is another thing to think about. We already know how hot it gets in the desert throughout the day and how its climate fluctuates throughout the day. It is better to schedule your desert safari for early in the morning or late in the day. The weather is ideal for doing the greatest desert safari during this time of year.
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn more about the Middle Eastern locals and their way of life, a desert safari in the United Arab Emirates promises to expand your understanding. Any itinerary in Dubai would be incomplete without visiting the desert safari locations, which have breathtaking scenery, thrilling activities, and a fascinating past. Therefore, grab the chance to discover the enthralling splendor of the Arabian Desert and make lifelong memories.